Reuben Balls are a delightful twist on the classic Reuben sandwich, capturing all the beloved flavors in a bite-sized treat. These irresistibly crispy Reuben Balls are filled with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese, creating a perfect balance of savory and tangy. Paired with a spicy Thousand Island dipping sauce, they are ideal for gatherings, game days, or a casual snack. Let’s dive into how you can make these scrumptious bites!
Why You’ll Love This Reuben Balls
There are countless reasons to adore these Reuben meatballs. First, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. Second, the combination of flavors—savory corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Swiss cheese—offers a taste sensation that is hard to resist. You’ll also appreciate how versatile these sandwich-inspired meatballs can be, with options to suit various dietary needs. Whether you want baked Reuben meatballs or gluten-free Reuben balls, this recipe has you covered. Plus, they can be made ahead of time and stored for quick snacks, which makes them a real lifesaver! Lastly, the creamy sauce for Reuben balls adds a zesty kick that elevates the overall experience, making it an unforgettable appetizer.
Ingredients for Reuben Balls
Gather these items:
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked corned beef
- 1 cup chopped sauerkraut (thoroughly drained)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Reuben Balls Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Step 3: Set up dredging bowls with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Step 4: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Step 5: Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Step 6: Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, hot sauce, and spices. Stir and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
- Step 7: Serve Reuben Balls hot with spicy Thousand Island sauce for dipping. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Reuben Balls
Keep these in mind:
- Chill the balls for better texture and easier handling.
- Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference to suit your taste.
- For a healthy twist, consider baking baked Reuben meatballs at 375°F for a lighter option.
- Make mini Reuben meatballs for bite-sized appetizers perfect for parties.
Best Ways to Serve Reuben Balls
When it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless! Serve these crispy bites alongside a creamy sauce for Reuben balls or pair them with pickled vegetables for a delightful contrast. Another great idea is to serve them at your next game day gathering as a fun Reuben-inspired party snack. For an extra treat, try them on a bed of lettuce for a lighter meal option.
How to Store and Reheat Reuben Balls
To store leftover Reuben Balls, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This method ensures they stay crispy and delicious, making them perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Reuben Balls
What’s the secret to perfect Reuben Balls?
The secret lies in chilling the balls before frying. This helps them hold their shape and ensures a crispy outside while remaining tender inside. Using quality ingredients like good corned beef and Swiss cheese will also enhance the flavor significantly.
Can I make Reuben Balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and form the balls a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and fry them when you’re ready to serve. This makes them an excellent choice for gatherings.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Reuben Balls?
Make sure not to overcrowd the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy balls. Additionally, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the balls to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Variations of Reuben Balls You Can Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations: use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or make them gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or add fresh herbs to the mixture for extra flavor.
For more delicious recipes, check out our Creepy Cute Mummy Veggie and Apple Pie Baked Oats. If you’re interested in healthy options, you might enjoy our Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken recipe. For a sweet treat, try our Orange Zucchini Bread. Lastly, don’t miss out on our Irresistible Butter Chicken Recipe.
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Irresistible Reuben Balls with Spicy Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 balls 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Irresistibly Crispy Reuben Balls with Spicy Thousand Island Dipping Sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups chopped cooked corned beef
- 1 cup chopped sauerkraut (thoroughly drained)
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp finely chopped pickles
- 1 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Set up dredging bowls with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Coat each ball in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry balls in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Cook at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Combine mayonnaise, ketchup, pickles, hot sauce, and spices. Stir and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve Reuben Balls hot with spicy Thousand Island sauce for dipping. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chill the balls for better texture.
- Adjust hot sauce to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg